Wisconsin Returning Players 2025: Top 5 players who will return to Luke Fickell’s squad

As Luke Fickell’s second season as head coach of the Wisconsin Badgers approaches, there’s a sense of anticipation surrounding the 2025 roster. Following a difficult 2024 campaign that saw the team miss out on a bowl game, Fickell is looking to bounce back with a mix of experienced returners and new talent. While the program has plenty of work ahead to regain its place among the Big Ten’s elite, Wisconsin’s returning players represent the core of the team and are essential for making a competitive leap in 2025. Let’s take a look at the top 5 returning players for the Badgers in the 2025 season who could have a significant impact.

1. Braylon Allen – Running Back

One of the most crucial pieces for Wisconsin football heading into 2025 is junior running back Braylon Allen. The 6-foot-2, 235-pound powerhouse has been a cornerstone of the Badgers’ offense since stepping on campus. His combination of size, speed, and vision makes him one of the most dynamic and dangerous running backs in college football. While the 2024 season wasn’t up to the standard Wisconsin fans have come to expect, Allen remained a standout performer. He rushed for over 1,100 yards and 12 touchdowns despite facing defenses that keyed in on him due to the lack of a consistent passing game.

In 2025, Allen will be expected to play an even larger role in the offense. The Badgers will likely return to their roots, focusing on their powerful running game under Fickell’s leadership. Allen’s ability to break tackles and gain yards after contact will be pivotal, especially as the Badgers look to regain their identity as a hard-nosed, run-first program. Additionally, with the development of the offensive line and potential improvements to the passing game, Allen’s skills could be utilized even more effectively.

A major point of emphasis for Fickell will be to keep Allen healthy throughout the season. If Allen can stay at peak performance, he has the potential to break multiple records in Wisconsin’s storied rushing history. He could emerge as one of the top running backs in the country, putting Wisconsin back on the map as a dominant ground attack team.

2. Tanner Mordecai – Quarterback

Quarterback Tanner Mordecai, a transfer from Southern Methodist University (SMU), came to Wisconsin with high expectations for the 2024 season. However, the transition to Fickell’s Air Raid offense didn’t go as smoothly as planned. Mordecai struggled with consistency, particularly in terms of timing and chemistry with his receivers. Nonetheless, his talent is undeniable, and his potential to be a difference-maker in 2025 remains high.

Mordecai’s 2024 season was marked by a solid, though not spectacular, performance. He threw for over 2,500 yards with 16 touchdowns but also had 10 interceptions, a number that indicates room for improvement. With a year under his belt in the Wisconsin system and the team’s offensive philosophy likely to shift back toward a more balanced approach, Mordecai has a chance to be more efficient in 2025.

What makes Mordecai an exciting prospect for 2025 is his experience in high-pressure situations. At SMU, he was a prolific passer who threw for over 7,000 yards in his college career. If he can find more consistency in the pocket and limit turnovers, Mordecai has the potential to become one of the top quarterbacks in the Big Ten. With the right supporting cast and a solid offensive line, Mordecai could lead Wisconsin back to bowl contention and beyond.

3. Nick Herbig – Outside Linebacker (Edge)

Nick Herbig, who declared for the NFL Draft following the 2024 season, is no longer on Wisconsin’s roster for 2025, making his departure a significant void to fill. Herbig was one of the standout players on the defense during his time with the Badgers, but despite his absence, Wisconsin’s defense has strong potential to maintain its high standards in the coming years. While Herbig will be missed, one key returning player will need to pick up the slack and emerge as a leader: senior outside linebacker Maema Njongmeta.

Njongmeta is poised to become a household name in 2025 as the heart of Wisconsin’s defense. A playmaker at linebacker, he has the speed and instincts to be a force on both running and passing plays. His ability to read offenses, shed blockers, and make critical tackles will be vital for the Badgers in 2025, particularly as they attempt to bounce back from their 2024 struggles. Njongmeta was a highly regarded recruit and has steadily improved since arriving at Wisconsin, earning playing time as a freshman and continuing to develop in his upperclassman years.

Defensively, Wisconsin has always prided itself on stout play in the front seven, and Njongmeta will be tasked with ensuring the defense remains among the best in the Big Ten. With Herbig now gone, Njongmeta will need to lead by example and help the Badgers develop an aggressive, physical defense once again.

4. Joe Tippmann – Center

One of the most important position groups on any football team is the offensive line, and Wisconsin has long been known for its ability to produce NFL-caliber linemen. Joe Tippmann, a returning senior center, will be a key cog in the Badgers’ offensive revival in 2025. Tippmann is the anchor of the offensive line and has been a reliable presence in the middle since taking over as the starting center in 2022.

In 2024, despite the offensive struggles, Tippmann’s performance was a bright spot. He was consistently one of the top performers in the trenches, showing his versatility and leadership. Tippmann’s ability to both protect the quarterback and open running lanes will be vital as Wisconsin returns to a more traditional offense with a heavy emphasis on the run game. His experience and football IQ will make him a critical leader for the Badgers’ offensive line in 2025.

Tippmann has the size (6’6″, 315 pounds) and athleticism to handle the physical demands of Big Ten play, and he could be in line for an NFL future if he continues to develop. For Wisconsin to have success in 2025, Tippmann will need to set the tone up front and help build a more stable offensive line, which will in turn give the offense the balance and protection it needs.

5. Chase Wolf – Quarterback (Backup)

While Tanner Mordecai is expected to be the starting quarterback in 2025, senior backup Chase Wolf has the potential to play a significant role in the upcoming season. Wolf, who has spent years as a reliable backup for the Badgers, brings experience and leadership to the quarterback room. Though he has only started a handful of games throughout his career, his familiarity with Wisconsin’s offense could make him a valuable asset should the team need to turn to him during the season.

Wolf’s ability to manage games and provide stability in the pocket will be crucial if injuries or struggles arise with Mordecai. With a solid supporting cast and a renewed focus on a more balanced offense, Wolf could provide a steady hand in critical moments. He has proven himself capable of stepping up in big games, and his experience could be invaluable for a team looking to return to its winning ways.

Looking Ahead to 2025

As Wisconsin enters the 2025 season, the foundation is set with several key returners who will be integral to the team’s success. With Fickell’s guidance, the Badgers will look to bounce back from their disappointing 2024 campaign and re-establish themselves as contenders in the Big Ten.

Players like Braylon Allen, Tanner Mordecai, and Joe Tippmann will play pivotal roles in driving the team forward. If these players can stay healthy, improve upon their past performances, and execute in critical moments, Wisconsin could be on its way to a much-improved season in 2025.

While there are certainly challenges ahead, the talent on the roster is undeniable. With Fickell continuing to shape the program in his vision, the Badgers will be looking to turn the page on 2024 and make a run at returning to the top of the Big Ten.